US POW Camp Massacre - Salina, UT - July 8th, 1945

Published on July 11, 2019
Duration: 6:48

This video details the tragic 1945 POW camp massacre in Salina, Utah, where Private Clarence Bertucci used an M1917 machine gun to kill nine German prisoners. It explores the camp's history, Bertucci's actions and motivations, and the subsequent burial of victims at Fort Douglas Cemetery. The narrative highlights the somber historical context and the lasting memorial.

Quick Summary

On July 8, 1945, Private Clarence Bertucci, a guard at the Salina, Utah POW camp, used an M1917 machine gun to kill nine German prisoners and wound twenty. Bertucci, who had disciplinary issues, stated he simply wanted to 'kill Germans' and was later institutionalized.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Camp Salina
  2. 01:03Camp Conditions and Layout
  3. 02:25The July 8th Massacre
  4. 03:17Aftermath and Casualties
  5. 04:17Fort Douglas Cemetery and Memorial

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at the Salina, Utah POW camp on July 8, 1945?

On July 8, 1945, Private Clarence Bertucci, a guard at the Salina POW camp, fired an M1917 machine gun into the tents of sleeping prisoners. This act killed nine German soldiers and wounded twenty others.

Who was Private Clarence Bertucci and why did he commit the massacre?

Private Clarence Bertucci was a guard at Camp Salina with a history of disciplinary issues. After drinking, he opened fire on the POWs, stating his motivation was simply to 'kill Germans.' He was later declared insane.

Where are the victims of the Salina POW camp massacre buried?

The nine German soldiers killed in the July 8, 1945 massacre are buried at the Fort Douglas Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah. The site features a German War Memorial honoring POWs.

What type of weapon was used in the Salina POW camp massacre?

The weapon used was an M1917 water-cooled machine gun, chambered in .30-06 Springfield. This heavy machine gun was a standard US military firearm during World War II.

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